The decision by the Confederation of African Football (Caf) to postpone the 2024 Championship of Africa Nations (CHAN) has generated uncertainty with many questions arising, and very few answers.
While Uganda’s preparations were generally deemed to be almost on course, Caf inspectors and observers were not enthused by the pace of Kenya’s progress.
Like PAMOJA 2027 which will be hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, the 2024 Chan tournament is to be held in the three East African countries.
The competition will, among other things, show how ready the countries are for a first Africa Cup of Nations tournament in the region.
“Kenya are far, far behind and we hope that something changes in the way they are handling their preparations,” a high-profile figure in the PAMOJA team, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.
“They are miles behind Uganda and Tanzania and we can only pray and hope that the postponement forces them to up their urgency and intensity,” he added.
Part of the challenge for Uganda is that 2025 is going to be an election season throughout the country with LC, parliamentary and presidential polls due next year.
But considering that there is a lot of effort that goes into the primaries and campaigns, it remains to be seen how the electioneering process will co-exist with the Chan tournament.
When you consider that there is a thin line between the state and elections across all levels, it casts into doubt the suitability of an historic continental tournament being staged mid-year.
Renovation work at Namboole has also been affected. According to sources, Namboole had been due for a shutdown immediately after Chan for a new phase of upgrading work to increase its capacity to a 45,000-seater.
But with Chan delayed now, the process of enhancing its capacity must be rethought through. The upgrade in capacity will make it a candidate for both the opening match and the final of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
The successful PAMOJA bid has, nonetheless, had a desired effect on sporting infrastructure in the country with the government committing funds to build new multi-purpose stadiums in Hoima and Lira.
Work in Hoima in particular is advancing admirably with the stadium set to be Uganda’s second Afcon venue in 2027.
Training facilities at Kyambogo and Wankulukuku have also undergone significant revamps to make them of Caf standard. Caf inspectors and assessors will continue making periodical visits in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania both for Chan and PAMOJA tournaments.